University of Hamburg Summary
The university was founded in 1919 and has developed into a full research university with a range of faculties and a broad spectrum of programmes. The academic profile includes law, business administration, economics, social sciences, medicine, education, psychology, humanities, mathematics, informatics, natural sciences, earth system sciences and sustainability related fields. The university is particularly renowned for its research in climate, marine and earth sciences, law, economics, social sciences, psychology and the humanities.
In many cases, undergraduate programs at the University of Hamburg are taught in German. International applicants must pay special attention to the German language requirements before applying. Field of Study Undergraduate: Law, Business Administration, Economics, Social Sciences, Political Science, Sociology, Psychology, Education, History, Philosophy, Languages, Literature, Media Studies, Mathematics, Computer Science, Physics, Chemistry, Biology, Geosciences, Earth System Sciences, Medicine, Dentistry and Teacher Education. Certain regulated fields may have state examination paths rather than traditional bachelor’s programs.
At the master’s level, the University of Hamburg has both German-taught and English-taught programs. Popular fields of postgraduate study are: Economics, Business Administration, International Business and Sustainability, Politics, Economics and Philosophy, Peace and Security Studies, European and European Legal Studies, Intelligent Adaptive Systems, Computer Science, Mathematics, Physics, Chemistry, Molecular Life Sciences, Marine Ecosystem and Fisheries Sciences, Integrated Climate System Sciences, Earth System Sciences, Psychology, Education, Languages and Humanities. Admission requirements vary from program to program.
University of Hamburg supports research in medicine, law, economics, business, social sciences, humanities, education, psychology, mathematics, computer science, natural sciences, climate research, earth sciences and interdisciplinary fields at doctoral level. PhD students can work in faculties, graduate schools, research centres, hospital associated structures and projects managed by supervisors. Especially in the fields of climate, sustainability, law, society, health and natural sciences the research landscape in Hamburg is very strong.
The University of Hamburg does not charge tuition fees for regular degree programs. No tuition fees, but a semester contribution. The semester contribution for summer semester 2026 is given as EUR 384 and includes some student service and public transport-related components. Students should also budget for accommodation, health insurance, food, transport, study materials, visa or residence permit fees and personal expenses. Hamburg can be more expensive than smaller German cities, particularly as far as housing is concerned, but it provides good career and cultural opportunities.
The University of Hamburg is the overall best choice for students who want a large public research university in a major international city. It is particularly suited for students interested in law, economics, business, medicine, psychology, climate research, social sciences, humanities, media, education, sustainability, computer science, public policy and doctoral study.
About University of Hamburg
The university is comprehensive and presents a wide academic spectrum in humanities, law, economics, business, social sciences, medicine, education, psychology, natural sciences, mathematics and computer science. It is particularly known for climate and earth system research, social sciences, law, economics, psychology, medicine and humanities. For those who are looking for a big public university in a major city, Hamburg could be a good option.
The University of Hamburg has a strong research profile and supports interdisciplinary work in fields such as climate change, health, society, education, culture, digital systems, legal systems and sustainability. The university’s location also provides strong connections with marine research, logistics, trade, media and international policy environments.
Language planning is important to the international students. The majority of undergraduate programs are taught in German while some master’s programs are offered in English. Applicants should carefully review program language, admission restrictions, deadlines and academic requirements. Hamburg is international but German is important for everyday life and many study routes.
The University of Hamburg is an affordable public university that offers a variety of academic programs, urban opportunities and research-based education to students. It is particularly well suited for students seeking careers in law, business, public policy, climate research, health care, media, education, social research, science and academia.
University of Hamburg History
- University of Hamburg was established in 1919.
- It became one of the major public universities in northern Germany.
- Hamburg’s role as a port and business city shaped the university’s international outlook.
- Humanities, law, economics and social sciences became important academic areas.
- Medicine and health-related research expanded through clinical and faculty structures.
- Natural sciences and mathematics strengthened the university’s research profile.
- Earth system and climate research became major modern strengths.
- Psychology and education developed into important study areas.
- Computer science and digital research expanded with modern academic needs.
- The university adapted many programs to the European bachelor’s and master’s system.
- State examination routes remained important in regulated fields.
- International master’s programs expanded Hamburg’s global student appeal.
- Doctoral research developed through faculties, centers and graduate structures.
- The university continued to grow as a large urban research institution.
- Today, University of Hamburg is recognized as one of Germany’s leading comprehensive public universities.
University of Hamburg Highlights
- Public research university in Germany
- Established in 1919
- Located in Hamburg
- One of Germany’s largest universities
- Strong for law, economics, medicine, psychology, social sciences, climate research and humanities
- Major urban university in a global port city
- Many bachelor’s programs are German-taught
- Selected master’s programs are English-taught
- Regular degree programs do not charge tuition fees
- Semester contribution applies
- Summer semester 2026 semester contribution is listed at EUR 384
- Hamburg offers strong business, media, logistics, healthcare and cultural opportunities
- Strong fit for students targeting law, business, climate, healthcare, public policy, media, research and academic careers
University of Hamburg Courses Offered
UG Courses
- Bachelor of Laws-related Study
- Bachelor of Science in Business Administration
- Bachelor of Science in Economics
- Bachelor of Arts in Social Sciences
- Bachelor of Arts in Political Science
- Bachelor of Arts in Sociology
- Bachelor of Science in Psychology
- Bachelor of Arts in Education
- Bachelor of Arts in History
- Bachelor of Arts in Philosophy
- Bachelor of Arts in German Studies
- Bachelor of Arts in English Studies
- Bachelor of Arts in Media and Communication Studies
- Bachelor of Science in Mathematics
- Bachelor of Science in Computer Science
- Bachelor of Science in Physics
- Bachelor of Science in Chemistry
- Bachelor of Science in Biology
- Bachelor of Science in Geosciences
- State Examination in Medicine
- State Examination in Dentistry
- Teacher Education Programs
PG Courses
- Master of Science in Economics
- Master of Science in Business Administration
- Master of Science in International Business and Sustainability
- Master of Arts in Politics, Economics and Philosophy
- Master of Arts in Peace and Security Studies
- Master of Laws-related European Legal Studies
- Master of Science in Intelligent Adaptive Systems
- Master of Science in Computer Science
- Master of Science in Mathematics
- Master of Science in Physics
- Master of Science in Chemistry
- Master of Science in Molecular Life Sciences
- Master of Science in Marine Ecosystem and Fisheries Sciences
- Master of Science in Integrated Climate System Sciences
- Master of Science in Earth System Sciences
- Master of Science in Psychology
- Master of Arts in Education
- Master of Arts in History
- Master of Arts in English Studies
- Master of Arts in Linguistics
PhD Courses
- PhD in Medicine
- PhD in Law
- PhD in Economics
- PhD in Business Administration
- PhD in Social Sciences
- PhD in Political Science
- PhD in Sociology
- PhD in Psychology
- PhD in Education
- PhD in History
- PhD in Philosophy
- PhD in Languages and Literature
- PhD in Mathematics
- PhD in Computer Science
- PhD in Physics
- PhD in Chemistry
- PhD in Biology
- PhD in Climate Research
- PhD in Earth System Sciences
- PhD in Interdisciplinary Research
University of Hamburg Specializations Offered
UG Specializations
- Law
- Business Administration
- Economics
- Social Sciences
- Political Science
- Sociology
- Psychology
- Education
- History
- Philosophy
- German Studies
- English Studies
- Media Studies
- Communication Studies
- Mathematics
- Computer Science
- Physics
- Chemistry
- Biology
- Geosciences
- Medicine
- Dentistry
- Teacher Education
- Bachelor Thesis
PG Specializations
- Economics
- Business Administration
- International Business
- Sustainability
- Politics
- Economics and Philosophy
- Peace Studies
- Security Studies
- European Legal Studies
- Intelligent Adaptive Systems
- Computer Science
- Mathematics
- Physics
- Chemistry
- Molecular Life Sciences
- Marine Ecosystems
- Fisheries Sciences
- Climate System Sciences
- Earth System Sciences
- Psychology
- Education
- History
- English Studies
- Linguistics
- Master’s Thesis Research
PhD Specializations
- Medical Research
- Legal Research
- Economics Research
- Business Research
- Social Sciences Research
- Political Research
- Sociology Research
- Psychology Research
- Education Research
- Historical Research
- Philosophy Research
- Language Research
- Literature Research
- Mathematics Research
- Computer Science Research
- Physics Research
- Chemistry Research
- Biology Research
- Climate Research
- Earth System Research
- Doctoral Thesis Research
University of Hamburg Admission Process
Admission to University of Hamburg begins with selecting the correct bachelor’s, master’s, state examination, teacher education, doctoral or exchange route. Applicants must check whether the program is German-taught or English-taught, whether restricted admission applies and whether special documents are required. Many undergraduate programs require German proficiency, while selected master’s programs are available in English.
Bachelor’s and state examination applicants must show a recognized university entrance qualification and meet language and program requirements. Master’s applicants need a relevant bachelor’s degree, academic match, language proof and any program-specific documents. Doctoral applicants need a research topic, supervision arrangement and faculty approval. After admission, students complete enrollment, pay the semester contribution and arrange housing, insurance, visa or residence permit requirements and living-cost planning.
Admission Details
- University of Hamburg is a public research university.
- It is located in Hamburg, Germany.
- It was established in 1919.
- It is one of Germany’s largest public universities.
- Many bachelor’s programs are German-taught.
- Selected master’s programs are English-taught.
- Regular degree programs do not charge tuition fees.
- Semester contribution applies each semester.
- Summer semester 2026 semester contribution is listed at EUR 384.
- Estimated monthly living cost in Hamburg is around EUR 1,000 to EUR 1,300 or more.
- Admission depends on academic recognition and program requirements.
- Some programs have restricted admission.
- Doctoral admission requires supervisor and faculty approval.
- Applicants should check deadlines early.
University of Hamburg Eligibility Criteria
UG Eligibility
- Applicants need a recognized secondary school qualification equivalent to German university entrance requirements.
- German language proficiency is required for many undergraduate programs.
- Medicine, dentistry and law follow regulated or state examination admission structures.
- Business and economics applicants need quantitative and analytical preparation.
- Social science applicants need strong reading, writing and research skills.
- Psychology applicants must meet competitive academic requirements.
- Natural science applicants need strong preparation in mathematics and science.
- International applicants must check country-specific recognition rules.
- Some programs may require restricted admission or additional documents.
PG Eligibility
- Applicants need a relevant bachelor’s degree or equivalent qualification.
- Academic match with the selected master’s program is required.
- German proficiency is required for German-taught programs.
- English proficiency is required for English-taught programs.
- Climate, earth science and natural science programs require strong subject preparation.
- Business and economics programs require relevant quantitative background.
- Social science and humanities programs require academic match with the selected field.
- Some programs may require motivation letters, references or additional selection steps.
- International applicants must follow program-specific deadlines and document rules.
PhD Eligibility
- Applicants normally need a relevant master’s degree or equivalent qualification.
- A suitable research topic is required.
- Supervisor fit is usually required.
- Faculty or graduate school approval is required.
- Strong academic record and research potential are expected.
- Research experience may strengthen the application.
- Language requirements depend on discipline, supervisor and research environment.
- Funding route should be clarified before starting.
- Doctoral admission is research-focused and competitive.
University of Hamburg Courses Fees
UG Fees
- Tuition Fees: Regular degree programs do not charge tuition fees.
- Semester Contribution: EUR 384 for summer semester 2026, subject to university updates.
- Some Special Programs: Continuing education or professional programs may charge separate fees.
- Bachelor’s and State Examination Programs: Many are German-taught and require German language proficiency.
- Estimated Monthly Living Budget in Hamburg: Around EUR 1,000 to EUR 1,300 or more, depending on housing and lifestyle.
- Additional Costs: Housing, health insurance, food, transport, books, study materials, visa or residence permit expenses and personal costs are separate.
PG Fees
- Tuition Fees: Regular consecutive master’s programs do not charge tuition fees.
- Semester Contribution: EUR 384 for summer semester 2026, subject to university updates.
- Some Special Programs: Continuing education, executive or professional routes may have separate costs.
- English-taught Master’s Programs: Selected options are available with program-specific admission rules.
- Estimated Monthly Living Budget in Hamburg: Around EUR 1,000 to EUR 1,300 or more.
- Additional Costs: Accommodation, insurance, food, local transport, learning materials, visa or residence-related expenses and personal costs are separate.
PhD Fees
- Doctoral Tuition: Regular doctoral study is generally not charged like a taught degree program.
- Semester Contribution: May apply depending on enrollment status.
- Doctoral Funding: May come through research employment, graduate schools, scholarships, faculty projects or external foundations.
- PhD applicants should confirm supervision, faculty rules and funding before applying.
- Additional Costs: Housing, health insurance, research expenses, transport, visa or residence permit costs and personal expenses are separate.
University of Hamburg Scholarships
- DAAD scholarships may support selected international students.
- Deutschlandstipendium may support high-performing students.
- University-linked funding may support selected students in specific cases.
- Doctoral candidates may receive funding through research employment or graduate schools.
- External foundations may support international students.
- Climate and earth system research projects may offer funded doctoral roles.
- Medical and science research projects may offer assistantship opportunities.
- Some scholarships may support living costs.
- Some scholarships may be merit-based.
- Some scholarships may be need-based.
- Scholarship deadlines may differ from admission deadlines.
University of Hamburg Career Outcomes
- Law graduates can work in legal practice, compliance, public administration and policy roles.
- Business graduates can work in management, consulting, finance, logistics, marketing and operations.
- Economics graduates can work in policy, banking, consulting, research and international organizations.
- Climate Science graduates can work in climate research, sustainability consulting, policy and environmental organizations.
- Earth Science graduates can work in geoscience, environmental consulting, research and public-sector projects.
- Computer Science graduates can work in software, AI, data, systems and research roles.
- Medicine graduates can work in clinical training, healthcare, hospitals and medical research.
- Psychology graduates can work in research, clinical pathways, HR and education depending on further qualifications.
- Humanities and Social Science graduates can work in media, education, culture, NGOs, policy and research.
- PhD graduates can pursue academic research, postdoctoral roles, university teaching and specialist research careers.
University of Hamburg FAQs
Q1. Is University of Hamburg a public university?
Yes, University of Hamburg is a public research university in Germany.
Q2. When was University of Hamburg established?
University of Hamburg was established in 1919.
Q3. Where is University of Hamburg located?
It is located at Mittelweg 177, 20148 Hamburg, Germany.
Q4. What is University of Hamburg best known for?
It is known for law, economics, medicine, psychology, social sciences, humanities, climate research and natural sciences.
Q5. Are University of Hamburg programs taught in English?
Many undergraduate programs are German-taught, while selected master’s programs are available in English.
Q6. Does University of Hamburg charge tuition fees?
Regular degree programs do not charge tuition fees, but semester contribution applies.
Q7. What is the semester contribution at University of Hamburg?
The semester contribution for summer semester 2026 is listed at EUR 384 and may change.
Q8. Is University of Hamburg good for international students?
Yes, it is a strong option for international students seeking a large German public university in a major international city.




















